Overcoming the Dreaded Reading Slump

Oh the dreaded reading slump. You can feel it coming on as the usual rush to pick up a book starts to fade and a cozy evening with a new read doesn’t hold the same appeal. The mind wanders and a favourite pastime begins to feel like a chore. For me a slump usually happens when I have been reading a lot and need a breather, or after a string of disappointing reads when the motivation to pick up another book is just not there. Some reading slumps are longer than others and usually it is just a matter of time before the nose is back in a book. Over the years I have found what works for me and what doesn’t, and grabbing as many books as I can and hoping something will stick definitely doesn’t. So when I feel a reading slump coming on, or I am fully in the midst of one, I follow three little steps:

1. Step away from the book.Put the book down and walk away. If it feels like a break is needed then take one. Trying to get though a book or struggling to find one that will spark your interest is just frustrating, and makes it even more difficult to get back in the swing of things. Doing anything with a tired and disheartened mindset will impact your overall experience.

2. Set a time limit.I like to set a certain time limit for a book break. This is because if I leave it too open-ended I tend to put things off and may not set aside time in my day for reading. Falling into the “I’m too busy, I’ll make time tomorrow” routine is far too easy, and that is when time really gets away from me. The length of a book break depends on how I feel and may be a few days or a couple of weeks.

3. Read something light and fun.Once the book break is up, I choose a nice, light read to relax with. Anything that is too heavy and complicated may have you taking the bus back to slump city, so a fun read is the way to go. I usually go for fantasy, mystery, young adult, or “chick lit” (I absolutely despise this term, but could not find an alternative. If you are aware of one, please let me know).

Books from my bookshelf I would recommend:Re-read an old favourite.Or, instead of something new, you can always re-read an old favourite. We all have those special books in our lives that never fail to bring us joy (I’m looking at you Harry Potter!).

Great advice. I think it’s important to just take a break if you don’t feel like reading, it’s not a job!
I don’t like the term ‘chick lit’ either! Some use ‘women’s fiction’, I just think most of it can just be called ‘contemporary fiction’. Male authors don’t get lumped into ‘men’s fiction’… !